Mental Well-Being of Black, Latino, and Women Farmers in Georgia
Abstract
Farming is a stressful occupation associated with increased anxiety and depression; it consistently ranks as having the highest death rate caused by stress-related and psychiatric conditions. Georgia farmers die by suicide at higher rates than non-farmers in the state. The Georgia Agricultural Census (2017) reports that the majority of farmers in the state are older (57.9), white (95%), and male (66%).
Current literature shows a link between race, gender, and stress, with stress, disproportionally impacting historically marginalized people. This study aimed to understand the mental well-being of Black, Latino, and Women farmers in Georgia by exploring stressors, time spent worrying, negative affect, suicidal ideation, job satisfaction, and the mechanisms used to cope. We also examined health care access, including mental health care, and what barriers the farming community faces in accessing care. The results of this analysis will help public health professionals develop mental health prevention and intervention initiatives that are informed by and specific to historically marginalized farmers.
keywords: farmer, mental health, mental well-being, Black Farmers, Latino Farmers, Women Farmers
Keywords
farmer, mental health, mental well-being, Black Farmers, Latino Farmers, Women Farmers
Mental Well-Being of Black, Latino, and Women Farmers in Georgia
Farming is a stressful occupation associated with increased anxiety and depression; it consistently ranks as having the highest death rate caused by stress-related and psychiatric conditions. Georgia farmers die by suicide at higher rates than non-farmers in the state. The Georgia Agricultural Census (2017) reports that the majority of farmers in the state are older (57.9), white (95%), and male (66%).
Current literature shows a link between race, gender, and stress, with stress, disproportionally impacting historically marginalized people. This study aimed to understand the mental well-being of Black, Latino, and Women farmers in Georgia by exploring stressors, time spent worrying, negative affect, suicidal ideation, job satisfaction, and the mechanisms used to cope. We also examined health care access, including mental health care, and what barriers the farming community faces in accessing care. The results of this analysis will help public health professionals develop mental health prevention and intervention initiatives that are informed by and specific to historically marginalized farmers.
keywords: farmer, mental health, mental well-being, Black Farmers, Latino Farmers, Women Farmers
